Education Programs

Hands‑on education, outdoor recreation, and free/low-cost opportunities for all ages – explore what Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Experiences has to offer here.

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Explore, learn, and connect with Cleveland Metroparks education programs. 

Our education and recreation programs offer hands‑on opportunities for all ages to discover the natural and cultural history of Northeast Ohio. Whether on the trail, on the water, in your classroom, or at one of our nature centers, we offer exciting educational programs, camps and events that will reveal the beauty and stories of the Emerald Necklace.  

  • School Field Trips & Programs

    • Cleveland Metroparks provide FREE standards-based STEM learning experiences for grades K-12 including in-person field trips at our location or yours! We also offer history and social studies programs aligned with Ohio's Learning Standards, at several of our locations.
    • Click here for more info and to request a program.


    Group Programs

    • Looking for a FREE fun activity for your community group/event, senior center, Scout group, business, or childcare center? Cleveland Metroparks offers a wide variety of interactive programs to connect any type of group to the natural world. 
    • Click here for more info and to request a program.


    School Field Trip Transportation Voucher Program

    • Did you know that Cleveland Metroparks offers field trips on a wide variety of natural and cultural history subjects? We can help with the cost of transportation.
    • Click here for more information. 


    Nature Preschool

    • Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool combines the best practices of early childhood education with those of environmental education.
    • Our goal is to provide an exceptional child-centered and nature-based preschool environment. We believe that by immersing children into nature at an early age, they develop a deep-seated appreciation and understanding of the natural world and their place within it.
    • More information on classes and additional opportunities can be found here. 


    Historical Interpretation Programs

    • Each of our 18 reservations embrace both obvious and hidden treasures to past generations including American Indian artifacts, remnants of early pioneer lifestyles and turn-of-the-century structures.
    • Click here for more information.


    Community Programs

    • Youth Outdoors - Connecting Young People and Nature
      • Supporting healthy and active lifestyles by connecting our community to the green spaces in and around the city of Cleveland.  
      • Click here for more information.
    • Mobile Outreach - Bringing Cleveland Metroparks to you!
      • FREE educational programs in Cuyahoga County with an emphasis on the City of Cleveland and populations with a limited access to Cleveland Metroparks.
      • Click here for more information.


    Outdoor Recreation

    • We offer a limited number of custom programs for your business, scout group, family reunion, or other special outing ranging from paddling, mountain biking, rock climbing,  backpacking, and adaptive recreation.
    • Click here for more info and to request a program.


    Program Evaluations


    Request a School or Group Program

    • Request your desired program at your location or one of ours here!

  • Public Programs


    Special Events

    • Cleveland Metroparks Special Events celebrate the moments that make our parks unforgettable—blending seasonal nature highlights, engaging historical programs, and unique recreational experiences throughout the parks. Designed for all ages and abilities, most events are offered at low or no cost, making it easy for everyone to get outside, explore the past, try something new, and connect with the natural world.
    • Click here for all of this years special events.


    Summer Nature Camps

    • We offer over 150 camps, for ages 3 to 17, from June to August. Camps are offered at all 5 of our nature centers, as well as other locations through the park district. Topics vary from nature exploration, arts & crafts, paddling, archery and more!
    • Click here for more information.


    Spring Wildflowers

    • Launch into wildflower season and hit the trails to celebrate the natural beauty of Ohio’s native blooms. Discover the best viewing spots, explore deep woodland treasures, and learn about the fascinating history of spring wildflowers.
    • Find available Spring Wildflowers programs here.


    Homeschool Adventures

    • Enjoy a variety of programs that focus on STEM fields, local history, recreation and outdoor skills while connecting with other homeschool families. 
    • Program offerings vary monthly – see available options here!

  • Connecting urban communities to the green spaces in and around the city of Cleveland.

    Youth Outdoors

    • Connects young people and nature through FREE programming for various skills levels, from first experiences in nature to multiday camping trips. All supplies and equipment provided. Transportation available depending on group size.
    • Supporting healthy and active lifestyles by connecting youth serving organizations to the green spaces in and around the city of Cleveland.  
    • Click here for more information.


    Mobile Outreach 

    • Have our mobile nature center come to you to learn about nature at your school or community event. 
    • FREE educational school programs in Cuyahoga County tied to Ohio's Learning Standards. 
    • Hands on nature exploration activities for your community event.
    • Click here for more information.


    Youth Outdoors Fellowship

  • Spring Wildflowers

    • Launch into wildflower season and hit the trails to celebrate the natural beauty of Ohio’s native blooms. Discover the best viewing spots, explore deep woodland treasures, and learn about the fascinating history of spring wildflowers.
    • Click here for spring wildflowers programs.


    Out in the Parks

    • Join fellow LGBTQ+ friends, family, and allies on naturalist-led programs exploring nature across Cleveland Metroparks. From hikes and campfires to live animals and crafts, you can find new ways to get out in the park.
    • Find all Out in the Parks programs here.


    Preschool Programs

    • Our preschool programs offer playful, hands-on nature experiences through songs, stories, and outdoor exploration made just for young children. Families will love watching their little ones learn, move, and discover the natural world in a fun, welcoming park setting.
    • Click here for all available preschool programs.


    Extreme Hikes

    • Dive a little deeper into Cleveland Metroparks on our extreme hikes. These hikes are faster paced and travel longer distances than most of our other hikes do. Hikers should be prepared for all trail conditions, occasionally even traveling right up a creek.
    • Click here for all available Extreme Hikes.


    Summer Nature Camps

    • We offer over 150 camps, for ages 3 to 17, from June to August. Camps are offered at all 5 of our nature centers, as well as other locations through the park district. Topics vary from nature exploration, arts & crafts, paddling, archery and more!
    • Click here for summer nature camps.


    See all other available options on our programs & events calendar.